Mari
How did you meet your husband and how did you get engaged?
We met while we were both studying at the University of Pretoria. We were attending a faculty dine where we first caught each other’s eyes. Paul was convinced by one of his friends to contact me, and he did so via the oh so popular platform, FACEBOOK! We started chatting in December and just never stopped! Fast forward a few years and a long-distance relationship, a long weekend was approaching! I tried my best to arrange a weekend at my parent’s house, where they to my surprise arranged their own weekend, which didn’t include me! This is where I then turned to Paul to “PLEASE” take me away and keep me busy for the weekend. He took the opportunity to arrange a getaway weekend to Akabeko Boutique Hotel. I did not know where we were going, he left letters to give me packing list instructions and an exact time which he will pick me up. The afternoon was well spent on the patio, drinking some wine and chatting about the future! He then surprised me further; for those few minutes, the much-needed rain stopped. He led me to a surprise pick nick spot next to the pond. I was asked to open a letter and a present, and a letter and a present, and so on (like those nesting dolls) until the box became the RIGHT LITTLE SIZE. He then got on one knee; and all I could say is ‘FINALLY’. Some of our best friends were hiding in the bushes taking photos of everything! That was the PERFECT proposal.
Where did you get married and why did you choose that venue and time of year for your wedding?
Since I am from Mpumulanga, I have always dreamed of getting married close to home! We got married at Smitsfield Venue in Mpumalanga. We were never really picky regarding a specific date to get married, we just knew the sooner the better 🙂 Since both my brother ans sister got married at Florence Guest Farm, we know the owner’s quite well, and we know the EXCEPTIONAL service we always have gotten from them. Then we came across Smitsfield Venue, Helene’s very own venture. We visited the venue whilst it was still very much under construction, and we FELL IN LOVE! We wouldn’t have had it any other way.
What was the vibe of your wedding?
We aimed to organize a wedding which was cozy, fun and elegant! We wanted each quest to be comfortable and to have the best time! We focused on creating
How did you hear about The Wedding Collective?
I started Googling wedding dress shops in and around Pretoria; after that I couldn’t stop looking at all their dresses on Instagram.
What made you choose your wedding dress?
When I first tried on my wedding dress, I struggled to keep myself contained! I screamed and happy tears started rolling down my cheeks! I didn’t want to try on wedding dresses with a pre-set idea of what I wanted – and somehow it just ticked ALL of the boxes! After the fitting, I tried on a few more other dresses, but nothing made me feel as beautiful, perfect and like a bride as this one!
How was your wedding dress experience from fittings to the final product?
My wedding dress experience with The Wedding Collective was WONDERFUL! Marie and her team always aimed to make me feel comfortable, to listen to my needs and to dream WITH me! There were never hesitations to give an honest opinion to any of my requests! Very professional service, making everything very easy for a young bride! I will recommend them to anyone 🙂
Do you have any advice or tips for new brides-to-be looking for their perfect wedding dress?
Go with your GUT feel and do what makes YOU happy! There will always be a lot of opinions, but you need to feel comfortable! Once you’re comfortable you will SHINE!
Who was your wedding photographer?
Carolien and Ben Photography.
Any other vendors you would like to recommend to new brides-to-be?
Ladies, I would definitely recommend going LOCAL! These vendors are very well priced and you get extraordinary service from people who you can afterwards call friends. I would like to name some of mine: Zanne Couture (BEST designer ever), Carlia Lindeque (Hair), Juanelize Smith (Makeup), Carel Botma (Decor and so much more), Vintage Rose Weddings and Events (Decor hire), Kookies Designed (Dessert cookies), The Vans (Band for live performance) and Trudi Seale-van Der Veen (3 spectacular cakes).
What was your most memorable part of your wedding day?
The moment my father walked me down the aisle and gave me to Paul! It has always been a dream of mine that my father will be there and able to that (what a privilege). I loved to see Paul at the end of that isle –
Do you have any advice regarding the overall planning of a wedding?
Take it one step at a time! Do not do something that you don’t want to and this time, DO NOT go with the flow! Do what makes you YOU! You need not have a million rand to plan/have your perfect wedding; at the end it is all about the love between you and your future husband!
